May 7, 2003 - Two Minneapolis based Civil Rights lawyers are putting their views on America's criminal justice system on film. For the past five weeks, John Shulman and Jeanne Marie Almonor have been sharing directing duties for a movie called 'Justice' filmed in the Twin Cities. Justice is a drama about how the directors feel the criminal justice system treats African Americans. Minnesota Public Radio's Brandt Williams visited the set of the movie and has this report
May 7, 2003 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on U.S. Ambassador to Laos visiting Minnesota to promote the start of normal trade relations with the communist country. The visit sparked protests, organized primarily by Hmong veterans who sided with the United States during the Vietnam War, but who were driven out when the U.S. withdrew its support. They say opening relations with Laos only rewards a brutal regime.
May 8, 2003 - The board of directors of the HMO, Medica, is asking a Hennepin County District judge to release the company from the oversight of the court and Attorney General Mike Hatch. Hatch is challenging the request. He appointed several members of the current board in 2001 after a contentious battle that led to splitting off Medica from Allina Hospitals and Clinics. Hatch now says the board isn't doing its job. He wants them to appoint new board members and hire a CEO. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
May 8, 2003 -
May 8, 2003 - The Minnesota Wild keep surprising the hockey world. They beat the Vancouver Canucks five to one in Saint Paul last (Wed) night to push their Stanley Cup playoff series into a decisive game seven, which is tonight (Thurs) in Vancouver. Last night marked the fifth time this spring the Wild have pulled out a victory when a loss would have ended their season. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen reports...
May 8, 2003 - The Minnesota Legislature has just 12 days to come up with a budget for the next biennium. Lawmakers are required by law to adjourn the session by May 19th, but House Republicans and Senate DFLers are still far apart in their plans to deal with a projected 4.2 billion dollar shortfall. Both sides have used recent polls to bolster their positions on taxes and spending. Joining us now with his perspective of what's going on is Minnesota's governor, Tim Pawlenty. That is Governor Tim Pawlenty. To get all the background you need about to ongoing debate at the Capitol, go to the Session 2003 page of our web site, Minnesota Public Radio dot org.
May 8, 2003 - Hundreds of state politicians and political staffers turned out last night Helms has more.
May 8, 2003 - All Thing’s Considered’s Lorna Benson interviews Democratic Senator David Tomassoni about the K-12 education funding bills that have passed in the state House and Senate. Both would allow school districts to sell naming rights to corporate sponsors to raise extra revenue.
May 9, 2003 -
May 9, 2003 - Governor Tim Pawlenty is bringing together leading experts on biotechnology for a summit next week in Minneapolis. Biotechnology is a big priority for Pawlenty. He's pushed for biotech tax-free zones and has encouraged the U of M and the Mayo Clinic to form a biotechnology partnership. The summit, which starts Monday, will bring together business leaders, scientists, and educators. Heath Lukatch, managing director of Piper Jaffray Ventures based in San Francisco will also be there to provide a national perspective.